The Fallen King's Penitent Soldier

Tales of the High Court #5

by Megan Derr

The youngest son of a despised king, thrust upon a throne he never wanted, Desmond nevertheless tried to be a good monarch to Benta. Despite his efforts, the rebels discontent with him and the alliance with the Harken Empire have taken control, and Desmond's private guards are either dead or turned traitor. On the verge of being executed, Desmond gets an unexpected rescue from Harken, in the form of the fearsome Penance Gate mercenaries and the beautiful, brutal man who leads them.

Beneath the shining edifice of every empire is a foundation of violence and pain, and Chass has always done his duty to Harken by being the bastard who endures and metes out both. He is used to being hated, and does not deny he deserves it. But in the aftermath of rescuing the enchanting, compelling Desmond, he wishes more than ever that he could be the noble hero just once, instead of the monster good only for spreading terror.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M M Romance, LGBT, Historical, Royalty, Queer

437 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2022

About the author

Megan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.

meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr

Reviews

[Teeny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't read the 4th book... I don't particularly care for MMF/MFM books so I'm missing pieces of the story but I could follow it fine... anyway imagine my surprise when this proved to NOT be MM but more like a poly situation although not explicitly on page. What was explicitly on page was Aria and Chass's relationship even more than Chass and Desmond's who you would think they'd get the spotlight as MCs but nope.

Desmond and Chass barely had chemistry going on in the slowest burn that ever slowed and non-existing UST. Frankly both characters had more chemistry with Aria than with each other. Aria whenever she appeared or was just mentioned pretty much stole the stage, even if I didn't care for her as a character, practically erasing everything before her appearance. And that's not what I wanted to read. I wanted to read about Desmond and Chass overcoming obstacles and adversity, hunters and assassinations, talking about their traumatic pasts and healing each other as best as possible and getting closer to one another, Partly that happened but then Aria would appear (or be mentioned) and everything else just got drowned out.

I just wanted more for those two after all they went through to reach Harkenesten than them just being happy to be married together for political reasons and one sex scene.

Oh well...

[Dana · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 out of 5

My least favorite Megan Derr book by far. I did not find anything to like about this.

Most off-putting to me was that two of the main characters were devoutly religious and as such, about 75% of the book was devoted to descriptions of characters praying and sermonizing. This read like a dissertation on the various religions of the Tales of the High Court universe.

Also, this is an MM/FF (or MFF/M) relationship where I didn't see chemistry (love or lust) between any of the characters.

Finally, the pacing just dragged. The book started right in the thick of the action, but that dire straits situation wasn't resolved until half-way through the book. It's just exhausting to read that without any lower-stakes breaks.

I won't continue with this series if there are further books. I really enjoyed the first two (even upon re-reading) but liked each successive book less.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. This wasn’t a monogamous relationship. But I do love this series.

[Sonia189 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think some elements, namely in the first half, weren't as captivating for me and some parts, while they are running from danger, took too long and felt a little boring.
The romance was a disappointment; I wasn't convinced of their feelings nor did I like how the relationship progressed.
The first book in the series will remain my absolute favorite.

[Rozarka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the patreon version which is, I suppose, an unedited one—and the book would be highly improved by edits, especially in the second half. It was way too long and dealt with too many unnecessary things; if it were cut in half, I would be pleased.

That said, I liked this installment probably the best. The funniest and most enjoyable one was the second book, but this one had the most interesting main character in the whole series. It was hurt/comfort at its best, with as much hurt as I could take without being too graphic or disgusting, and lots of comfort afterward. I've already reread the getting-together scene several times, it was perfect.

My only complaint, apart from the length, was about the sex scenes—they were somewhat out of character (esp. that spanking dialogue) and frankly unnecessary.

[Light · Rating 2 out of 5]

Four star story from premise.
dropped a star as it was so depressing because everybody kept dying.
Increased a star because of the unique religious belief connection that the two had. Never thought id like that part.
Dropped two stars star for the Polyamorous turn.
Very very very slow burn.
Lost interest in their story towards the end.

[~nikki the recovering book addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t marked a book as favourite in a long time and I’m sooooo absolutely happy to have read this book. I never expected to like Chase after Allen but he’s definitely one of my favourite characters in this universe.

I loved this so much I’m going to go back for a second read immediately! 😍

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ rounded down

lovely characters & the plot was fine. i enjoyed Chass' arc a lot

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I don't know why exactly Chass touched me so much but he did. He was determined to walk the penitent path for actions that weren't entirely his fault. Yes, he lived the wrong path at one point, but the abuse he suffered is certainly a cause for it all. He became what he was forced to become, yet his true nature ultimately surfaced and he has done nothing more than be the better man in all things since. I felt so much for the pain he'd been through and the facade he lived behind, never letting most people close mostly out of feeling he didn't deserve any of there kindness.

Desmond as well dealt with being thrust into a life he didn't plan for with the best of his abilities. Always determined to do what was right. Which really only got him on the run for his life from rebels determined to kill him and keep his country trapped in war. He and Chass together were touching. I loved how both were so determined not to hurt another that yet that determination almost cost them a lifetime together. They clearly cared for each other even though Chass was determined to keep Desmond at arms length.

This was a deeply satisfying conclusion to one of my favorite fantasy series'. I loved this whole world and how it was all put together. The political intrigue and the connections between all of these people were wonderful. I love how rich of a world Megan Derr can pull together. I'll be sad not to return to these wonderful characters in the future. I'm sure a reread of the whole series will be in the works for me at some point I loved it all so much.

[iam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Tales of the High Court series and I have been looking forward to The Fallen King's Penitent Soldier for a long time now - and the wait paid off, even if it wasn't entirely what I expected or wanted it to be.

Content warnings include: violence, death, arranged marriage, execution; Mentions of: torture, rape, abuse of power, all imaginable forms of abuse, victim blaming.

Redemption arcs aren't always easy to pull off. Chass has been introduced as a monster and abuser in book 1 of the (loosely connected) series, but it's been hinted that there is more than meets the eye ever since book 3, and that has only been cemented more clearly in book 4. Due to that slow foreshadowing, it wasn't a sudden shift from abuser to hero, but instead rather well done.

While this is by far the darkest and saddest book in the series, there was still quite a bit of cheese in the novel. It's exactly what I wanted it to be and is totally in line with the other books, so this was a plus for me!!!
Both Chass and Desmond were such tragic characters, pining and yearning, humble and heartfelt, competent and lovely under their shells. It had me clutching my chest quite a bit.

Both of them are also strongly devout to their respective religions. Religion has never played a big role in the series before, so this was interesting addition to the already lovely worldbuilding. I haven't read super much about religious characters before (and neither am I religious), so this added an interesting novelty to me as well.

All that said, the book gets really dark. Both Desmond and Chass have horrific pasts, and Chass's in particular turned my stomach, given the heavy signs of untreated PTSD and heavy trauma responses he shows. There are frequent flashbacks in his POV chapters, and oof, even when not graphic, they are hard to read. My heart breaks for him, and I felt sick reading frequently.
Demond himself doesn't have a great past either, and both him and Chass and their views of themselves are shaped by what they went through. Even though both of them are in vastly better places now, and have people (and lovers!) on their side.

Given all that darkness, I love that despite all the tragedy and terrific happenstances, there is such a goodness in this series. Even when the worst happens, I always know there will be a happy ending, and justice will be served to the bad guys, which makes it bearable to read. It makes this series one of my comfort reads, and always feel cozy to me, even with quite the big of drama and bad things happening in it on-page.

Another aspect I loved was that Chass already has lovers at the beginning of the book. While I wouldn't entirely classify this book as featuring a polyamorous romance, it also doesn't not feature one, if that makes sense. Chass and Desmond's romance develops on its own, and it does not compete or interfere with the relationship Chass already has, and keeps, even after the two are together. Desmond is quite happy with that arrangement as well, and is not opposed to joining in.

Despite all this praise I give the book, I also have to admit it's by far my least in the series. It's just so long, and so slow. The pacing was off, and many parts stretched on for way longer than they should have, especially given the darkness of the book. While I was always engaged to keep going, I also frequently grew impatient while reading, and at times it felt like I was slogging through it a bit. That said, I can also see how the slow pace has its given Chass's redemption arc and the delicate matters of the trauma of both protagonists (though plenty of the other characters in the series also have trauma, and their romances are nowhere near so slowly paced, especially since all of the charcacters grow attracted to their love interests very early in the books, and this is no exception...)

While each book in the series focusses on different characters, I still recommend reading the books in order for the full effect of the delightful cast and their dynamics, though each book can stand alone.

[Josephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it despite the aspects that didn't work for me, but was a little disappointed in the pacing. Also, I wish that it was better disclosed that the story isn't exactly M/M but closer to poly since the M/M couple are lovers with a F/F couple

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way back I read the short story that launched this series and really loved it. Then that short short got expanded into a book and republished and I loved it even more. I read books two, three and four as they came out and this series quietly became one of my favorites. If you’ve read them you know this is a fantasy world without magic but with a lot of political maneuvering, sword fights, and marriage alliances set in an empire with distinct cultures, religions and languages. The details from the food native to various regions to the jewelry/ dress are all designed to immerse the reader in the world. You feel like you know this place and these people, but unlike a lot of other fantasy I’ve read this isn’t bogged down by pages of detail and exposition. The action and the relationships between the characters keep the books moving. I love this series and as this one is apparently the last book it had a high bar to clear. I was worried only because there’s been a bit of a gap between book four and five but I’m happy to report this one was great.
This is the story of Chass and Desmond and if you know the series you know who they are. I wouldn’t recommend reading this one first as you’d miss a lot of the connections among the characters and references to past events. And honestly why deprive yourself of the greatness of this series. I would put these up against any of the fantasy bestsellers and they would hold their own. The thing that makes these unique for me is the exploration of gender and what it might look like to have a society where you are accepted for who you say you are. It doesn’t mean that there’s no conflict as there’s been a heavy theme of what trauma and abuse can do to people and the fifth book has a lot to say about how a person deals with remorse and forgiveness. This world can be charming but there’s emotional, physical and sexual damage that the characters suffered in their past and are actively working on healing. It’s a lot but it’s worth reading to see how they grow and change. This isn’t trauma porn and the gender acceptance isn’t the kind of box ticking that makes me roll my eyes. It’s just there on the page and honestly this series (especially book three ❤️) really did more for me than any nonfiction I’ve read about gender identity. It’s a series that opened my mind to a world I didn’t know I wanted. A world I didn’t think was possible until I read the series and something clicked in my brain. Other authors have explored gender identity in fiction but this series is just made me understand. I can’t explain it. When something works for you on a soul deep level it works for you.
This particular story is a long tale that begins with a rescue, a long dangerous journey to safety and then the aftermath of a rebellion. There’s a slow building romance but political intrigue and danger is woven all through the story. If I had to rank this one I think it’s my third favorite behind book three and book one. Honestly though they are all fantastic and I would happily reread any of them. Chass is a prince and the captain of a mercenary band sent to rescue Desmond, the king of a neighboring country, who was betrayed by his own people. Both characters travel together trying to escape while Chass deals with his past and both men try and find a new future. ( For people who’ve read the other four books there’s several reveals about the past that paint Chass in a different light. It’s not an attempt to change his character it just reveals that everything is not quite what it seems) The book is great. Just read the series. You won’t regret it. Now I’m going to go be sad that there’s no more of these but happy I get to reread them ❤️

[Sarah Meerkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried going into this that this book would follow the Mcs are separated for annoying plot reasons for 40% or more of the book that the previous 4 were so fond of and got annoying. But to my utter delight this did not do that.

I absolutely loved this book so very much. From the high stakes race to safety across the continent to the slow getting to know each other trauma recovery and finding comfort in family and ones religion and spiritual path this was a joy.

I'm sad that the series is over but I'm glad that Chass was able to be redeemed without also completely gaslighting those who had been harmed but also acknowledging his own pain and suffering.

Very well done

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good instalment, although I didn’t quite make the connection that I did with the other couples.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not as bad as I feared. Still no book in the series unfortunately, comes close to the first one.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish there could be more

Honestly, what a wonderful tale. I truly wish this was not the end and there were more stories to be told. I am so glad that Chass was able to redeem himself.

[Mishiko Shinsei]

Crying, the book

THIS is how a redemption arc should be done! With acknowledgment, but not dwelling. With contrition, but not justification. With unburdening, but not immediate contentment. With growth, change, and achievement, but not completion. With acceptance, but not applause. This is, by far, the best book in the series (so far?), and I appreciate you taking your time to tell its story. It has made me want to re-read the entire series again. Especially with all of those quick cameos of characters that I forgot how much I loved. Thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing me into this marvelous world with these deftly written, amazing characters! I wish I never had to leave.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little trite and a little rough in its ending, but as good a time as Megan Derr always is. Loved the expansion of religion in this world, and the discussions on how it had a place in both protagonists' lives.

Chass was a fascinating person to read about but the self-hate got tiring midway through, if only because of how repetitive it was. Chass is intelligent and it seemed odd that he'd be so boring in how he hated himself. This might be an odd thing to say but I trust others who have read the book will know what I mean.

Desmond was lovely, basically Allen 2.0 if I'm being entirely honest, but I didn't mind. It got a bit repetitive at times and, as often happens in Derr's writing, the stakes that drove the first 70% of the plot all but evaporated in the last 30%. I do wish we'd gotten more conversations with Marren and Allen - I think the family dynamics were by far one of the most interesting aspects of the book. The messy web of favouritism and abuse and disparity in how both brothers had seen their mother was really well done. A fine ending to the series, calling back to one of the characters we are first introduced to in Book 1 as being a monster.

Others have mentioned the various plot holes and loose threads, so I won't belabour that. Regardless, it was entertaining and fun, if not the most technically masterful work in the series.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love me a good redemption arc and this one is great. I loved reading about how Chass broke the cycle of abuse and his attempts at penance.

However, the romance aspect was lacking. I didn't think him and Desmond had enough chemistry and I didn't love his relationship with Aria. I liked her character and her support of Chass, but I thought it undermined the romance with Desmond. Chass spends a lot of time thinking of himself of a monster who doesn't deserve nice things and that's why he can't have a relationship with Desmond. I thought having a relationship with Aria all this time really undermined that - is she not a nice thing? If he has Aria, then why can't he have Desmond as well? Also, unlike Book 4, Aria doesn't get a POV here, it's all Desmond and Chass, so the poly relationship seemed tacked on and not integral to the characters or story. Especially as Aria's wife, who also seems to have a relationship with Chass, isn't ever on page.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Chess and Desmond to be charming, and I am always a fan of a good redemption story. I also appreciate the religious aspect. I know that’s not always people’s favorite, but as someone with an anthropologist degree I always find religious lore interesting. It gives the world a more realistic feel, that I enjoy. Though with that said, I guess the off putting thing for me was the poly relationship. It’s just not my cup of tea. Monogamy is more my thing, but that’s just my opinion. To each their own, and if it makes you happy it makes you happy.

[Kirstine Hansen]

Too dark for me, with the heavy trauma, the nature of that trauma, and the ever climbing number of dead people in pools of blood. I also had difficulty relating to how very religious they both are, and how often it is mentioned.

After the other books I really, really wanted to find out how Chass had become who and what he was, and if he could come to some kind of understanding, maybe even peace with Allen, but it's just too grim.

I might try again when I re-read the series in a few years.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I loved those two. Maybe my favorite couple. Not a fan of sharing tho so I’m happy there were no scenes with that. It’s the only reason for lower rating. If there is polyamorous relationships in the book I would like it to be in the blurb, so I know what I’m getting into, not just be blindsided… I still kind of expected they would be exclusive when they get together… Silly me..

[Florient Calliste-Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I love this drama-but don't know why the soon to be king had to continue having a sexual relationship with the woman soldier now that he is getting married - this kinda spoiled it for me

[eesha]

happy 300th review to me! i was going to make a fun joke about how my 300th review of my romance goodreads is a fantasy but this book wrung out any goodwill i could have had. i dnfed at 75% bc i couldn't spend my entire read WAITING for some romantic development to occur to be granted with nothing

things i enjoyed: how both mcs are absolutely incredibly devout like AS a religious person it was absolutely incredible to see two characters so HEAVILY religious (and desmond previously being a monk was so beautiful to me) and i didn't mind how much pagetime was spent on prayer. i also love a fantasy world i can't lie and again the worldbuilding was fun to read about up to a certain point. yeah.

what turned me away completely from this book: i understand chass was subjucated to a life of abuse and torture and rape which in turn made him a brutal man who has done awful things but spending 75% of the book of him constantly berating himself over and over and over and over and over and over again for the same things no one deserves him hes evil and awful and went thru traumatic things but that doesnt negate the awful things OHHHHMYGODDD! GET OFF THE CROSS GIRL WE NEED THE WOOD! at some point you need to grow! they say "how do u make a man brutal" so often it gave me a headache. like its just flogging urself for no reason at this point! that scene from meet the robinson's where goob is like "everyone hated me" while everyone smiles and greets him is how it felt being in chass's pov. i would have LOVED a story of growth but he pushes desmond away its a wonder desmond grows feelings for him. like there's no enjoyment to be drawn from their story WHICH BRINGS ME TO MY NEXT POINT girl. WHAT ROMANCE? this shit is NOT a romance in the slightest they truly spend more time APART and DEALING W DEATH AND VIOLENCE than they do growing a connection. and even then most of it was spent talking abt religion like i too love engaging in cross religion communication with my friends but there reaches a point. 75% of the way thru and they confess and im like what even are we talking abt. u people could not have developed feelings. ARIA has more believable chemistry with either of them than they do with each other! which brings me to my final point im all for polyamory but i didn't sign up FOR polyamory and i lowkey got blindsided when chass is already the third in a sapphic relationship and THEN gets w desmond. and desmond (raised in a monogamous culture and supposedly monogamous himself) consents to chass continuing his relationship w aria and her wife. Okay. like thats FINE but i came into this ROMANCE expecting MONOGAMY. mind u he's had more romantic scenes on page w aria than desmond and desmond is his supposed love interest. man come on. like aria could be a more believable love interest than desmond!

this shit kept dragging on and on, i honestly could not believe that i wasn't already done with this when i stopped because it felt like it. and something i really didn't appreciate was desmond spent a lot of time in his head admiring chass and really wanting him, and chass's pov had none of that reciprocity which made it seem like this shit was unrequited and again as someone reading a ROMANCE i wanted desmond to be adored at least once! like every time he does something impressive the narrative never really appreciates him for it, chass again goes back to his loop of "a monk shouldnt know how to do this. but it fits desmond..hes going to go off and leave me bc im so evil" like OKAYYYYYYYYYYYY BRUHHHHH WE GET ITTT. and it's not like he's incapable of it! he compliments aria and worships her in his head EVERY TIME SHES ON PAGE! atp make HER the love interest desmond feels like a second thought!

honestly what shld have happened was that desmond should have shacked up (political marriage wise) with someone else, not told chass he was on the potential list of possible husbands, chass (who's properly healed and not stewing in misery 24/7) pines pathetically, finds out that he missed his chance, and then we have a fun little angsty love story then. i was really excited bc megan derr has churned out some REALLY good stuff (i was rereading how not to marry a prince just today! and still craved more!) but this was disappointing :/ i want to read the second book in this series bc i was interested in that one (shld have started w that one first) but its such a shame this turned out to be worse than middling. also megan girl you are in desperate need of an editor i counted four errors simply passively reading this and i can only imagine how many i missed.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts right in the thick of the action with the main characters fighting and racing for their lives for the first 50% of the book. I loved the action and the different terrains and conditions they had to battle in addition to the mercenaries trying to kill them. A tentative friendship develops between Chass and Desmond but their attraction to each other is so subtle that it’s neither acknowledged nor acted upon as neither knows what their futures hold.

Both characters are devoutly religious and a fair amount of detail went into explaining their deities and prayers. Impressive that so much thought went into developing Chass’ religion, especially with the card reading, but I didn’t feel it was an enhancement to the story. The relationship between Chass and Desmond is not monogamous, not something I’m a fan of but from book three on I decided I was here for the action and character interaction and not so much for the variations in romantic entanglements in this sexually diverse society.

Did it bother me that there was little romance between Chass and Desmond throughout most of the story? Nope. They are essentially strangers fighting for their lives for half the book and I enjoyed the slow build of their friendship, their protectiveness of each other, and then the natural progression to something more. Chass’ reputation that he upholds is at odds with the keenly intelligent, kind, and caring man he is behind his brutal façade. Trauma from the unspeakable abuse he suffered has led to his brutality and his skewed belief in his own self-worth. This was a character in need of forgiveness and his actions and true nature made him redeemable.

Overall, I enjoyed the series. The Harken Empire consists of many countries with distinct cultures, food, clothing, and languages, and great detail went into developing those. It’s a non-magical fantasy world that has a medieval feel to it with royal and military hierarchies, mercenaries, and sword fighting with no modern world conveniences. Each story was action-packed with political machinations, kidnapping, murder, and violence that continued to move the series forward, but my absolute favorite was the large cast of characters that were present throughout, the witty banter, and their relationships with each other.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series!

Megan Derr's characters are always so diverse, and different and interesting I am willing to sacrifice anything to know how she manages to write such incredibly interesting characters!

In this book we follow the story of Allan's older brother Chass and the fallen king of Benta Desmond, as they make their way through the continent escaping rebels in the freezing cold.

This was one of the most interesting books in the whole series because we've seen Chass before in the previous books, we've heard about him from Allan and then we saw his rather uncharacteristic scene with Lord Kamir, and to be honest that man has been a puzzle to me since I finished the third book and I've been anticipating his book ever since I realized he's having one. And thankfully, this book was worth the wait!

I loved how complex Chass' character was, the author did such a good job with the trauma and the guilt and regret and how it all affected him. I also loved how religion was integrated into this, and how it was the one lifeline he had that kept him going.

Desmond however, was fine. He's not a one-dimensional or bad character per say, but I think compared to Chass he was overshadowed. In a way I understand why he was that way; he's a royal turned monk turned prisoner turned king who all of a sudden lost everything and didn't know where he fit in the world anymore, but still, to me he wasn't quite as much of an enigma as Chass.

I have to say though, as much as I adored this book, one of my favourite elements in the previous books was severely lacking in this one; which is the political intrigue. One would think that a book about a fallen king with a literal cue going on in his country would have stronger politics but that wasn't the case at all. As a matter of fact I thought the way the whole conflict was fixed kind of banalized the whole thing.

That being said, the lack of strong political intrigue didn't upset me as much as I would've expected it to, I mean that was what I considered this series strong suit all along. But, the author more than made up for that by having such strong and interesting characters that perfectly captured my attention.

Overall though, a very enjoyable and solid read, I really hope the author doesn't abandon this world just yet.

[Mary Soon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth in the Tales of the High Court fantasy romances. Unusually, one of the partners in the romance is a man with a history of both being abused and being an abuser. That's years behind him when the book starts, and he is now penitent and indeed very hard on himself.

Is this a marvelous book? No, the prose is undistinguished and there were a few scenes where I verged on boredom. But I am in the mood for fiction with characters of good intent who help each other. And I found both main characters to be sympathetic and of good intent, plus I greatly appreciated that there was no acrimony between them. Moreover, I appreciated the virtual guarantee that there would be a happy ending. I also liked the choice to make both men religious, though of different faiths, and I liked that they respected each other's faith.

Overall the book had a surprising hopefulness to it, encompassing contrition, forgiveness, redemption, and finding someone who loves you.

Let's call it 4 out of 5 penitent stars.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

[Tünde Kasza tóth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than the fourth book, but I still couldn't really identify with any of the characters.

The story was good as usual, with maybe less politics and more of a Lord of the Rings style journey at the first half. The religious parts were boring.

Desmond was a support character despite being a main character. He was there for us to be able to witness Chass from the outside, but he lacked depth and personality. He had a past so he can understand Chass, but he had nothing else going on. Poor fallen king being rescued, who had never wanted to be king anyway, so not much of a loss losing the throne...

Chass, on the other hand, was the center of this story in every was. His story, the development of his character was beautiful and would have been heart breaking, if I had been able to forgive him his past transgressions. But while it's really sad what happened to him, and admirable how he overcame his past, abusing someone weaker is not something I'm just able to forgive and forget, unlike the author.

The romance aspect is sweet, but feels like it's not even secondary in the book. I would place it somewhere behind personal growth, politics and religion.

This book is a good end for a series that became a little bit less with every new book. It brought the quality back to previous levels.

[Human Person · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this one. The first half is strong, with plenty of excitement and slow-growing feelings. The second half is much weaker. The emotional moments fell flat for me. There are themes of trauma and guilt and penitence, which I was looking forward to, but discussions of these topics ultimately felt shallow. Intense but without depth.

In the romance, the characters' thoughts and feelings seem more inspired by cliche than the previous events in the story. Sort of like, "he could never want me" despite the fact that he previously implied that he wanted you.

On the subject of the romance, I don't like the way the poly/open aspect was approached. Chass has a preexisting relationship that Desmond witnesses but doesn't comment on, neither in dialogue nor his internal narrative. The whole thing is incidental to the main romance, and the other lover (Aria) doesn't get much in the way of page time or dimension. The relationship serves no purpose narratively. I'm down with non-monogamy, but in this instance it feels like an afterthought that is just... distracting without adding anything.

But the first half is pretty good, and it's nice to see some plot threads finally wrapped up. I like the characters individually even if I wasn't satisfied with their romance. I would probably never reread this, though.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book bring to the conclusion a number of threads from previous books in the series. Chass, brother to High Consort Allen, is the fearsome head of the Penance Gate band of mercenaries. He is known for his brutality and coldness, but not so much for his secret abusiveness toward Allen in the form of cruel beatings when they were younger.

Sent on a mission to rescue Desmond, the peace-loving King of Benta, who is undergoing intense betrayal and almost certain death at the hands of rebels, Penance Gate arrives in the knick of time. From there, a perilous escape journey brings Chass and Desmond into close proximity as they flee for their lives, intent on reaching safety in Harken. Along the way, they each feel some fleeting attraction toward each other, but all seems impossible, as their homes are on opposite sides of the continent. Also, Chass has erected walls a mile high to keep others from knowing the real him and his past as a victim of years of severe abuse.

This book has some detailed and enthralling world-building, a lot of action, strong emotions, and fair, realistic reactions of the characters to their often sad experiences. The romance is slow-burn, as it would be when running for one's life, but well worth the wait. This book and series are highly recommended!